PBS Digital Innovator 2017

Elizabeth Burns

Arizona

KPTS

Slate Creek & South Breeze Elementary

Newton, Kansas

Elizabeth (Beth) is an elementary art teacher who believes that “no artistic answer or idea is ever wrong.” It's exciting, she says, to watch students figure out that whatever they do is a learning endeavor. Students in her classroom spend a lot more time trying new things and thinking creatively because they aren't afraid of ending up with something “wrong.” She believes strongly that every person has the ability to create and has made it one of her life goals to help people of all ages “un-learn” the notion that they can't think creatively or make art.

Fun Fact: Beth used to work in the field of art therapy and loves to experiment with all types of artistic mediums.